Our recent studies highlight the potential beneficial effects of both constitutively produced and exogenously administered IL-1ra, while numerous other IL-1 blocking therapeutics including anti-IL-1 monoclonal antibodies, soluble IL-1RII, ICE inhibitors, and IL-1 cytokine traps have shown promise in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The gene discussed is IL1A; the disease is rheumatoid arthritis.